Pope Leo blesses block of ice for 'climate justice'

Pope Leo XIV blessed a block of ice at a climate change event on Wednesday, part of his ongoing efforts to highlight environmental concerns and criticize those who “ridicule those who speak of global warming.”

The event marked the 10th anniversary of the late Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, which calls on Catholics to care for the environment and address climate change. During the ceremony, Leo placed his hand on a block of ice in front of a crowd and blessed the water dripping from it, saying, "Lord of Life, bless this water, may it awaken our hearts, cleanse our indifference, soothe our grief, and renew our hope, through Christ our Lord.”

The display drew backlash online, with conservative Catholic commentators questioning why the pope focused on blessing a block of ice instead of more pressing issues.

At the event, Leo emphasized the need for governments worldwide to take stronger action on climate change. According to the Associated Press, the pope expressed hope that the upcoming UN climate conference “will listen to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.”

Citing text from Pope Francis’ 2023 encyclical, Leo criticized leaders who have chosen to “deride the evident signs of climate change, to ridicule those who speak of global warming and even to blame the poor for the very thing that affects them most.” 

He added, “We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures. Nor can we call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ without participating in his outlook on creation and his care for all that is fragile and wounded.”